Net results in putting have to improve

RENO - Nevada ranks dead last in net punting in the Western Athletic Conference stats, averaging a little more than 25 yards a kick, and eighth in gross punting at 33 yards per kick.

That's why Zach Whited was given an opportunity to kick against Colorado State last weekend after Tom Barcia punted the first two games. Whited had his first attempt blocked, and CSU recovered it in the end zone for its only touchdown of the game.

"That's got to be cleaned up," Nevada coach Chris Ault said after the game.

Assistant coach Barry Sacks, who helps out on special teams elaborated.

"It (the net average) has to be at least 38," Sacks said. "You've got to have that. It's an accumulation of things. They have to kick it farther and higher. The hang time is extremely important."

Sacks said that Whited was a three-step punter in junior college, and is trying to become a two-step punter with the Pack.

HERE COMES THE BIG 10

When Northwestern comes to town for Friday's nationally televised game, the Pack will see an offensive unit that can do a little bit of everything.

Northwestern is 2-1, having beaten Miami of Ohio 21-13 and Eastern Michigan 13-6, and losing to I-AA New Hampshire 34-17.

"They do go two-back," said Ken Wilson, assistant head coach. "They do a little bit of everything we've seen. They do two-back sets like Fresno State and Arizona State, and they'll spread out like Arizona State."

Normally you think a ton of passes when you see the formation, but not so, according to Wilson. The Pack assistant said that the Wildcats spread people out and still try to run a lot.

Quarterback Mike Kafka has completed 42 of 67 for 355 yards and one score, and Shaun Herbert leads the receiving corp with 14 catches for 85 yards. Rasheed Ward has 10 catches for 88 yards. Running back Tyrell Sutton has carried 45 times for 253 yards and a score.

"They are balanced," Ault said. "Their quarterback does a lot of running, and they have pretty good backs and receivers. They are really physical."

Linebacker Nick Roach leads the team with 27 tackles. Northwestern has eight sacks in three games.

LOT OF FACES IN THE MIDDLE

What a difference a year makes.

A year ago, Nevada played a revolving door alongside Roosevelt Cooks before Jason DeMars finally won the job late in the year over Jeremy Engstrom.

This year, Nevada has used four different players at the two inside linebacker positions - DeMars, Josh Mauga, Kevin Porter and Scott Garrison.

Wilson is quick to point out that Mauga and DeMars are secure as starters, and the others play depending on what scheme the Pack is in and what the down and distance is.

"There are six guys that I would have no trouble putting in there," Wilson said. "Kevin Porter had knee surgery last year, and he's played well. Scott is a little fireball."

Garrison has been used quite a bit in passing situations because DeMars doesn't have as much quickness.

WILSON SHINES

Defensive end Charles Wilson, who started in place of the injured Erics Clark, had a nice game against Colorado State

Wilson finished with six tackles, including a sack, and he also forced a fumble.

"He did a nice job of rushing the passer," Ault said. "He played his best game to date."

RED ZONE PLAY NEEDS WORK

Nevada's offense is 7 of 11 on trips into the red zone, all seven scores have been touchdowns. Nevada has thrown one interception in the red zone and turned the ball over on downs a couple of times.

Nevada's defense has given up six touchdowns and two field goals when teams have invaded the red zone. That's 88 percent, and that's not good.